“But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself a part of the proceeds from the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your land? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? … You have not lied to men but to God” Acts 5:3-4
Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold property and were to donate the proceeds to the church. Instead of being honest, they told the church they sold the land for a certain amount, and the full amount was given to the church. That was not so. They keep some for themselves. When confronted they both fell dead.
Peter is clear. The money was at their disposal to do with as they would. Their failure to give the church everything was not their downfall. Their pride destroyed them. Others had sold land and given everything. Ananias and Sapphira wanted to keep some money but be seen as equal to or better than others who donated everything. So they lied.
Ananias and Sapphira paid a high price for their pride, greed, deception, and hypocrisy - for their unrepentant sin. By deceiving the church they deceived God, but God cannot be fooled. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.1 All will stand before His judgment seat and will give an account of their actions. Therefore, we must repent and seek His forgiveness always, for we never know the hour or the day in which2 we will meet him. So deal fairly with God and others3. Repent and seek forgiveness when you fail.
Prayer: Almighty God, your Word is pure and true. In you, there is no deception. Kindle in me a spirit of truth - the same spirit that was in Christ Jesus. Lead me by your Spirit of Truth into all truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Proverbs 9:10
“Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Matthew 25:13